Another village chief, 10 others face raps for SAP anomaly

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

BACOLOD City – Another village chief here and 10 appointed barangay employees are in hot water for alleged irregularities on the selection of beneficiaries for the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Bacolod filed criminal charges against Barangay 35 chairman Ruben James Miranda and 10 others for violation of Republic Act (RA) 3019 (Anti-Graft Corrupt Practices Act), RA 11469 (Bayanihan to Heal as One Act), and RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), before the City Prosecutor’s Office yesterday.

According to Chief Master Sergeant Ramiro Gocotano, CIDG-Bacolod head, three residents of the village lodged a complaint before the CIDG, accusing the respondents of selecting non-qualified SAP beneficiaries.

Based on the complaint, the three complainants alleged that the respondents prioritized their close relatives, political affiliates, appointed barangay employees, family members, and other residents, who have stable income and no dependents.

Miranda allegedly signed and approved the names of the recipients to receive the SAP allowance. The list was prepared by the appointed barangay employees and submitted to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), based on the complaint.

The SAP allowance from the national government was supposed to be given to qualified households belonging to the poorest families affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Gocotano said that Barangay 35 is the seventh village here to be investigated for SAP-related cases.